What happens if I cancel my Swiss health insurance and don't switch?
Nothing bad — your current coverage simply continues. A Swiss basic-insurance cancellation only takes legal effect once a new insurer confirms it has accepted you. So you can send a precautionary cancellation by 30 November every year to keep your options open, compare calmly in December and January, and either switch or do nothing and stay. You cannot accidentally end up uninsured.
Get your precautionary cancellation letter →
FAQ
- Why send a cancellation if I'm not sure I'll switch?
- Because the deadline (30 November) comes before you can calmly compare next year's premiums. Sending it keeps the option open at zero risk — if you don't switch, it never takes effect.
- Could this leave me without insurance?
- No. The cancellation is conditional on a new insurer accepting you. No acceptance means no cancellation — your existing policy continues automatically.
- Does this work for supplementary insurance too?
- No — never do this with supplementary (VVG) insurance, where it can cause double coverage or a gap. This precautionary move is safe only for basic (KVG) insurance.
- Is there any condition?
- Yes: you must have no unpaid premiums or open bills, which would otherwise block a switch.
- When is the best time to send the precautionary cancellation?
- Mid-to-late November — after new premiums are published in late September (so you know whether switching is worthwhile), but before the 30 November arrival deadline. Sending before late September is still valid; you simply won't know the new premiums yet.
- What must the cancellation letter say?
- It must identify you (full name, policy number or date of birth), state that you are cancelling your basic insurance effective 31 December of the current year, and be signed. No reason is required. Send by registered mail to prove arrival.
- I sent it and found a cheaper insurer — what do I do next?
- Apply to the new insurer — you can do this any time in November or December. They must accept you by law. Once they confirm, the cancellation becomes effective on 1 January. If you do not complete a new application, the cancellation has no effect and your current coverage continues.
- What if I want to switch models but stay with the same insurer?
- Contact your current insurer directly — no cancellation letter is needed for a model change within the same company. This is handled as a policy amendment, not a termination, and does not require the November deadline.